compute
In technical and academic contexts, 'compute' functions as a noun referring to the processing power or computational resources required to perform calculations. It is frequently used in cloud computing and artificial intelligence to quantify the amount of logic and processing capacity allocated to a specific task.
Examples
3 of 5I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant compute.
I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant processing power.
The strategic allocation of compute resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.
The strategic allocation of computational resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.
This latest AI model is a massive compute hog compared to the previous version.
This latest AI model uses a huge amount of processing power compared to the previous version.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'compute' as the 'fuel' or 'electricity' for your digital tasks—it's the raw energy of calculation.
Quick Quiz
Training large language models requires an enormous amount of _______, often costing millions of dollars in server fees.
Correct!
The correct answer is: compute
Examples
I need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant compute.
everydayI need to upgrade my hardware because these new video editing apps require significant processing power.
The strategic allocation of compute resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.
formalThe strategic allocation of computational resources is vital for the success of large-scale climate modeling.
This latest AI model is a massive compute hog compared to the previous version.
informalThis latest AI model uses a huge amount of processing power compared to the previous version.
The paper estimates the total compute expended during the neural network training phase was equivalent to several years of CPU time.
academicThe paper estimates the total computational capacity used during the neural network training phase was equivalent to several years of CPU time.
By moving to a serverless architecture, the company only pays for the compute it actually consumes.
businessBy moving to a serverless architecture, the company only pays for the processing power it actually consumes.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
heavy on compute
demanding a lot of processing resources
serverless compute
a model where the provider manages the machine resources
distributed compute
processing spread across multiple machines
Often Confused With
'Computation' refers to the mathematical process or act of calculating, while 'compute' as a noun usually refers to the physical or virtual resource/power used.
'Computer' is the physical device, whereas 'compute' is the abstract resource of processing power it provides.
Usage Notes
Use 'compute' as a noun primarily in tech-heavy environments like software engineering, AI research, or IT procurement. It functions as an uncountable noun in these contexts.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'compute' when they mean the countable noun 'calculation' or the physical device 'computer.' Avoid saying 'I bought a new compute' when you mean a machine.
Memory Tip
Think of 'compute' as the 'fuel' or 'electricity' for your digital tasks—it's the raw energy of calculation.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'computare', meaning 'to count together' or 'to sum up'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In the Silicon Valley 'tech-speak' culture, turning verbs into nouns (nominalization) is a common way to describe resources as commodities.
Quick Quiz
Training large language models requires an enormous amount of _______, often costing millions of dollars in server fees.
Correct!
The correct answer is: compute
Related Grammar Rules
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